The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A taxi driver and two police officers involved in a suspected firearms incident in Pinchbeck were among those recognised at an awards ceremony.
Taxi driver Grzegorz Pacho received a Public Appreciation Award and Sgt Iain Mclvor and PC Thomas Smith received a Chief Constable’s Commendation.
Mr Pacho was threatened with the firearm, but instead of driving away, called police and remained outside monitoring the situation.
Sgt Mclvor and PC Smith arrived on scene, very quickly taking control of the situation, managing a high risk incident and a crime scene. A search uncovered an imitation M16 Assault Rifle.
Supt Paul Timmins said: “Sgt Mclvor, PC Smith and Mr Pacho placed themselves in a dangerous position. Their bravery resulted in a positive outcome.”
Also recognised at the Lincolnshire Chief Constable Awards ceremony on Tuesday, was “resilient, tenacious and caring” temporary Detective Inspector Tim Wilkinson, who ran the investigation into the historic sex abuse case against former police officer and scout leader John Bates.
Temporary Det Insp Wilkinson received a Chief Constable’s Commendation.
In May, Bates was handed a 20 year sentence for a series of sex offences that took place in the 70’s and 80’s. His victims included Stuart Brown, of Weston Hills.
A citation said the result would not have been possible without the dedication of DI Wilkinson, who worked with compassion and determination.
One victim said: “Thank you for the empathetic and considerate way you dealt with me as a reluctant witness. You have been the catalyst in lifting a 33 year burden off my shoulders. Thank you as well for the resilient, tenacious and caring approach; outstanding policing in my opinion.”
Supt Rick Hatton said: “These comments articulate the exemplary investigation and victim care shown.”
Temporary Det Insp Wilkinson said: “I am a bit embarrassed to get an award. All I have done is the job I was paid to do, these people, the victims, were the ones who stood up to be counted.
“When those four people stood up in front of a judge and jurors and their families to outline the affects the abuse had on them, the whole court was in tears, myself included.
“Hopefully those victims feel they were listened to and this was a case where the justice system delivered. It is really they who should get the credit, not me.”
